F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a multinational non-profit organization, whose goal is to make science, math, engineering, and technology as cool for kids as sports are today. The F.I.R.S.T Robotics Competition teams professionals and young people to solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way. In 2005 the competition reached 25,000 high-school-aged young people on 1,000 teams in 30 competitions. Teams come from Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Israel, Mexico, the U.K., and almost every U.S. state.  Competition begins at a local level and ends at the International Competition in Atlanta, GA.

This year, Christopher, Brittany and Brian (parents Chris and Lisa Turnbull Jennings, grandparents Lee and Josie Turnbull) are part   of    the    Mechanical    Mayhem   team   made   up   of    home schoolers. 

Scotland TCA Update - by George Turnbull

It was only when studying in London in the late sixties and early seventies that I became acutely aware of the fact that I was particularly Scottish.  Prior to that living in Hawick and attending college in Edinburgh, I had been part of a like minded culture.  Even holiday trips to France, Spain and Germany, we traveled as a group. Of course we experienced new languages, landscape and culture but we lived together as family and friends in foreign lands.

My time in London kindled my interest in Scottish history.  I wanted to know more about how we had developed different legal systems, customs and outlooks on the world.  For these reasons, I have more sympathy for Scots and Scottish descendants living in other parts of the world.  Like almost every other nationality, I think Scots are more conscious of their roots when they are outwith Scotland.  (continued on page 6)

Left side: George, Lynda, Kerry;  Far end: Wally; Right side: Wally’s son Rhet, wife, Betty, Collin, Wally’s son, Andrew, and end Wally’s father, Wallace, enjoying dinner together in Hawick

They received the  Rookies of the Year award for the high school competition in Manchester, New Hampshire and made it all the way to the semi-finals.

Mechanical Mayhem team members, Rear left to right: Ben S., Matt R., Zachary D., Brian (Jennings), Steven B.; Middle left to right: Matt C., Ben K,. Nathan G. Christopher (Jennings); Front left to right: Lauren G., Bridgett R., Brittany (Jennings)

Another branch of F.I.R.S.T. is the Lego League International created to inspire children around the world to work together, use their creativity and engage in real world problems and opportunities. 

Mindstorm Mayhem, the Junior High home-schoolers team, include member Amelia (Turnbull) Jennings.  After winning the Directors Award (the highest award given) at the International last year, they won the NH Directors Award this year and then headed for the Atlanta International Competition.  This year they  received 1st place for the Robot Performance Award, took 2nd place in the Directors' Award and in addition, received the Gracious Professionalism Award for attitude and helpfulness to other teams.

Congratulations to both teams.  For more information visit the following websites:

www.mayheminc.org,   www.mindstormmayhem.org

www.team1519.org, www.usfirst.org, www.firstlegoleague.org